Weekly Classes & Private Lessons

Weekly Classes

We run weekly classes on Tuesday evenings at The Dance Complex in Cambridge.

Most commonly we are teaching our Fundamentals series, which starts with Intro to Balboa/Fundamentals 1a for beginners with no Balboa experience, followed by Fundamentals 1b which is suitable for anyone who’s taken Fundamentals 1a or its equivalent.

Sometimes we’ll have classes for intermediate-and-beyond students, or special events with guest instructors, so watch our Class Registration page for updates and registration links!

The Dance Complex
Typically Studio #5 or #2
536 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

IMPORTANT: For everyone’s safety, we are requiring that everyone wear a suitable mask (N95/KN95/KF94) covering nose & mouth at all times. (We will have suitable masks available free at the door if you need one.)

November: Balboa Fundamentals 1B (ELEF)

Tuesdays October 29, November 12, 19, 26 at the Dance Complex, Studio 2.
NO CLASS ELECTION DAY NOV 5 – GO VOTE!
Build on your Balboa fundamentals! This four week series will add additional fundamental vocabulary while continuing to develop your connection and movement. We will cover paddle turns, side scoots, crabwalks, swivels, and variations for your lollies, out-and-ins and tossouts! NOTE: No class election night, Nov

Prerequisites: Intro to Balboa Fundamentals 1A or the equivalent (familiarity with Pure Balboa connection & figures — simple rhythm changes, uphold & downhold basics — and simple out-and-ins, lollies, and tossouts, as both leader & follower)

This class series will be taught “ELEF”: Everyone Leads, Everyone Follows.

8:00-9:30pm Introduction to Balboa Fundamentals 1B (ELEF)
9:30-10:00pm Post-class practice time (included with class registration!)

Cost: pay what you can (suggested: $60, $30 if retakng the series)

December: Level 2 Drop-In Topics

Tuesdays December 3, 10, 17 at the Dance Complex, Studio 2.

December gets weird with holiday obligations and travel, so we’ll do a few drop-in sessions. Dance Complex closes over the holiday weeks anyway, so go have fun, and try to get some rest!

December 3: out-and-in variations fest! We’ll revisit out-and-in technique for a hot second but mostly we’ll play with a metric boatload of variations: footwork, shape, connection points – we have lots of nifty toys to share!

December 10: counterbody. Using counterbody movement is a great way to flavor your Pure Balboa, and it can yield some sweet variations and texture to your Bal!

December 17: office hours. Stan will be in LA for the holidays, so no formal class, but July will be around to play music and answer questions and facilitate practice time for whoever wants to drop by!

Prerequisites: Intro to Balboa Fundamentals 1A and 1B, or the equivalent (familiarity with Pure Balboa connection & figures — simple rhythm changes, uphold & downhold basics — and simple out-and-ins, lollies, and tossouts)

These sessions will expect students to take class as either a leader or a follower.

8:00-9:30pm Class time
9:30-10:00pm Post-class practice time (included with class registration!)

Cost: pay what you can (suggested: $15 per class, $10 for the office-hours practice)

We love it when you pre-register! https://bostonbalboa.wufoo.com/forms/202412-dec-bal-2-variations-styling/ (walk-in registrations welcome)

Class Topics for Fundamentals

Intro to Balboa/Fundamentals 1a (suitable for beginners with no Balboa experience)
– posture and connection
– rhythm
– up-hold basic and down-hold basic
– ad-lib/progressive steps
– out-and-ins
– lollies
– tossout

Fundamentals 1b (suitable for anyone who’s taken Fundamentals 1a or its equivalent)
– out-and-ins and variations
– swivels and swivel breaks
– paddle turns
– side scoots
– crabwalks

Fundamentals 1a & 1b consolidates the core material from our original ABC series. While we will continue to refine technique in these new classes, we hope to shift work on higher level mechanics and movement technique into more interactive guided practices and intermediate content.

Private Lessons

July & Stan also offer private lessons for $100 per hour teaching together (total), $60 per hour teaching individually. Lessons can be held in our home dance studio space, or in other locations by arrangement, with any floor fee paid by the student. Email us at info@bostonbalboa.org to inquire about a private lesson.